Upgrading Your BMW

by IAN WENDT

One of the most frequent questions I get is "Where do I start?". There are so many BMW performance options out there and some products are not going to give you the end result you desire. It is important that you select wisely, buy top quality parts, and install them correctly.

For most late model BMWs, the greatest horsepower gain per dollar is through a performance software upgrade. There are a variety of suppliers out there who offer software downloads to increase power and torque and also usually remove the speed limiter and raise the rpm limit. For BMWs manufactured after 1996 in the USA this is a must. Until the software is upgraded, an intake or sport muffler will not result in any performance gains.

After the software upgrade, then I would recommend a BMW air intake to get more O2 and cooler air into the engine. These are usually fairly easy to install.

Once these steps are complete, then consider a performance exhaust. This will result in less back pressure, more hp and a louder exhaust note. Brands like Rogue, Remus, and Borla are common BMW choices and can be purchased at most BMW parts retailers. Do some homework to ensure you are purchasing from a manufacturer that can provide you the most accurate advice for your specific model of bimmer. Buying the right part the first time, before you install it, will ensure yo get the hp gains you desire.

Each of these modifications is easily reversible and will increase the driving enjoyment of your car. Please ensure you always follow the local and state laws where you reside for modifying your car.

Rand Stuck is an AST certified technician with over 5 years experience working on BMWs and currently manages the BMW parts department for an online parts retailer.